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Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
Vertical profile measurements of clouds and aerosols (dust, smoke, man-made pollution) from laser remote sensing instruments, such as the Airborne Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (ACATS) managed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), are desired to study the interaction of clouds and aerosols and their influence on the climate system. This project consists of the installation of a new ACATS calibration device and mechanical modifications to the ACATS receiver subsystem. These modifications will result in more accurate measurements from the instrument. In addition, this project includes preparations for GSFC-lead field campaign to study the influence of aerosols on clouds and radiaiton that will include ACATS as a payload on a NASA aircraft.
Clouds and aerosols can have numerous effects on the atmospheric radiation budget. Ice clouds cause a warming effect, while water clouds can result in a cooling effect. During cloud-free conditions, aerosols such as desert dust and smoke from biomass burning can induce a change in radiative forcing at a magnitude comparable to that of greenhouse gases but opposite the sign. Additionally, aerosol can interact with clouds, changing the radiative effects on the atmosphere. These cloud and aerosol effects on the atmospheric radiation budget remain a major uncertainty in understanding and predicting the climate system.
Direct measurements of extinction vertical profiles from high spectral resolution lidars (HSRLs), such as the Airborne Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (ACATS) managed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), are desired to study the interaction of clouds and aerosols and their influence on the climate system. Previous flights aboard a NASA high-altitude aircraft have demonstrated the ability of ACATS to provide direct measurements of extinction for short flight segments. However, the performance of the instrument is impeded by poor instrument calibration. This project includes modifications to the receiver subsystem that enable implementation and testing of a calibration device for improved results.
This project also supports the development of a field campaign to study the influence of aerosols on clouds and radiation. The field campaign will include the ACATS instrument and several other earth science instruments that fly on NASA aircrafts, as well as a management team that primarily consists of NASA and NOAA personnel.
The objectives of this project are as follows:
The overall goal of this project is to have ACATS ready to participate in future field campaigns and develop the field campaign concept that will include ACATS. The tasks that will be completed to achieve the objectives of project are as follows:
The ACATS instrument, once these modifications have been made, can be to participate in future aircraft field campaigns that contribute to NASA’s Climate, Atmospheric Composition, and Weather Earth Science Focus Areas. In addition, the technology development in this project can inform future NASA spaced-based mission development in regards to lidar technology capabilities.
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